Founded in 1819 by Jacob Kern, retires 1863, then run by sons, Adolf Kern-Saxer (1826-1896) - later run as J. Kern by Son Emil & Adolf until 1885 when changed to Kern & Cie. Drawing Instruments & Emil Kern-Rychner (1830-1898) - Surveying Instruments until 1885 when name changed to Kern & Cie. In 1897 Emil retires from business, name changed to Kern & Co. AG in 1914.